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KERR NAMES HIS FIRST SQUAD

New Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has produced no surprises in his first squad for the friendly match against Scotland at Hampden Park, Glasgow on Wednesday February 12 (Kick off 8:00). The panel are all faces familiar to fans from the McCarthy era with all 26 players having been called-up by the former manager this season. "Everyone starts with a clean slate and it's a chance of everyone to meet me and for me to meet them," Kerr said. "Because I was only appointed this week, I haven't had a chance to see any games and the players involved and if I brought a small squad to Scotland, players left out could have been thinking 'Well he's decided he doesn't like me with watching me.'" A number of the squad are carrying injuries at present with Robbie Keane, Rory Delap, Damien Duff, Stephen McPhail and Kenny Cunningham all missing games within the last month, but Kerr said: "I spoke to them all and they are enthusiastic about coming and all of them believe they will be fit for the game." Roy Keane was not named in the squad and just like on Tuesday, Kerr insisted that he "will deal with the situation," but will not talk about it. "I said on Tuesday that no matter how many times I was asked that question, I would give the same answer. I will deal with it, but I have to make sure it is right for Ireland. I am not going to tell you what I am doing because that is not the way to go about things." When asked about what style of play supporters can expect Ireland to play under his guidance, Kerr, while insisting that Ireland will be a passing team, didn't elaborate though flexibility was a key word. "A lot will depend on what players are available, but I want the players to be flexible. If we have a goalkeeper who is good in goal and ten other players who are adaptable to changes even during the game, we'll be on the right track," he said. "I don't see the changes being that dramatic but I wasn't involved in the last management. Packie (Bonner) was so we will have some continuity but I'll probably change things in the build-up to games." Kerr also confirmed that Chris Hughton will be his assistant manager. "An agreement has been reached between the Association and Spurs and he will now come on board. Chris has a huge commitment to Spurs but he told me that he normally sees two games a week that don't involve Spurs. "Most of those games will probably have an Irish angle to them so he will be involved in the Irish set-up even when we're not playing. I'm sure I'll be ringing him on a regular basis and he will be ringing me." The manager also thanked the hundreds of supporters who have written to him since his appointment on Tuesday. "I've got lots of cards and letters this week and I really appreciate them. When people you don't know take the time to go and write a card and post it to the FAI, it's very nice. It won't help me pick a winning team, but it's humbling to know that people support you." Squad: Given (Newcastle United), Kiely (Charlton Athletic), Colgan (Hibernian), Harte (Leeds United), Breen (West Ham United), Kelly (Leeds United), Cunningham (Birmingham City), O'Shea (Manchester United), Carr (Tottenham Hotspur), Dunne (Manchester City), Finnan (Fulham), O'Brien (Newcastle United), Holland (Ipswich Town), Healy (Celtic), Kinsella (Aston Villa), Carsley (Everton), Delap (Southampton), McPhail (Leeds United), Kennedy (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Kilbane (Sunderland), Keane (Tottenham Hotspur (Tottenham Hotspur), Morrison (Birmingham City), Duff (Blackburn Rovers), Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Connolly (Wimbledon), Reid (Millwall).

KERR GETS THE IRELAND JOB

Brian Kerr will be unveiled as the Republic of Ireland's new manager tomorrow in Dublin. "I can confirm that Brian Kerr is the new manager," said an FAI spokesman. "No more details will be released until tomorrow." The 49-year-old Dubliner has been the highly successful coach of Ireland's youth teams for the past six years. Details of Kerr's contract will be revealed at a press conference in Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel. Who is Brian Kerr?

ROBBIE ON ROYS RETURN

Robbie has urged his namesake Roy to return to the Republic of Ireland fold for the next Euro 2004 qualifier with Georgia in March. The Manchester United captain has not been involved in the Irish set-up since his bust-up with then boss Mick McCarthy prior to the World Cup. The departure of McCarthy has paved the way for Keane senior to return and Robbie Keane wants the worldclass performer back in the starting XI. I think we want to get things sorted out as soon as possible. We've got a game in March and hopefully it will be all sorted by then," said the Spurs marksman.World Cup hero Keane insisted Ireland had to move on after the departure of McCarthy but paid tribute to the Yorkshireman who handed him his international debut. With the World Cup it's been brilliant but for some reason, after the last couple of games, the Press have been calling for his head, and I find it a bit strange," added the former Leeds man "I've got a lot of respect for Mick McCarthy, he threw me in for my debut when I was 17 against one of the best sides in the world - Argentina. He had confidence and faith in me and it's a shame to see him go. But now we have to move on."

HOMETOWN HONOUR FOR ROBBIE

South Dublin County Council is planning to honour Robbie and three of his Ireland teammates at a civic reception at the end of September. Southwest Dublin is justifiably proud of its soccer tradition with robbie and Man city defender Richard Dunne hailing from Tallaght, Niall Quinn from Perrystown and Damien Duff from Ballyboden . " We plan to make a presentation to the four lads who come from our administrative area," said Jim Kilgariff, assiatant head of corporate services in South Dublin County Council. " We're also planning a reception in the foyer of the Council offices in the town center in Tallaght to thank them for their wonderful performance in the world cup."

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST FINLAND

Ireland cruised to a 3-0 victory over Finland in Helsinki tonight with Arsenal's Graham Barrett netting on his senior debut. Robbie Keane put Ireland 1-0 up in the 12th minutes after excellent build-up work from Mark Kinsella and Damien Duff left him with the simplest of tap-ins. Although the Leeds man could not add to his own tally, Colin Healy and Graham Barrett both did late on, each collecting their first international goals, the latter just seven minutes after being introduced for his debut. Ireland had the better of the first half in terms of possession and territory but numerous second half substitutes affected the rhythm of the game and Ireland's dominance. Liverpool's Jari Litmanen was a major source of danger for Finland and after creating space for himself on the edge of the area he curled a shot just wide with Kiely beaten. His next shot clipped the top of the bar, although this time Kiely was in control of the situation. Meanwhile, Healy's Celtic future has been questioned lately but if Hoops chief Martin O'Neill had been among the 12,000 crowd in the Olympic Stadium tonight he would already be pencilling the midfielder into his team sheet. His first telling contribution was to crack home Rory Delap's nod back from Stephen McPhail's far post cross. That strike sealed the win, but Healy was not done. He then took Kilbane's cross-field pass in his stride, before embarking on a dangerous run into the area which was only halted when Barrett whipped the ball off his foot to ram home one of the quickest debut goals in Irish history and wrap up an excellent win.

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST SPAIN

Spain won the day on penalties after an unbearably dramatic second-round match in Suwon, Korea. Heavy Spanish pressure paid dividends early as the red-clad side went a goal to the good after only eight minutes. A late spot kick by Robbie Keane for Ireland forced the match into goalless extra time. The Spaniards will meet the winner of the Korea – Italy clash in the quarter-finals. Fernando Morientes grabbed his third goal of the tournament with a well-placed header in the opening minutes of the match. Spain conceded a hard penalty midway through the second half, though Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas did out Ian Harte’s try. But the youngster could do nothing to keep out the second penalty taken coolly by Keane to send the match to extra time and eventually penalties, where Spain won 3-2 with a cool strike from Gaizka Mendieta.The match got off to a fast start, with both sides looking dangerous in the attack. Robbie Keane had the first chance of the game, a shot from a medium angle at the edge of the area that whistled past the far post . Spain had their first chance minutes later, and they took it. Puyol served a cross from the right wing perfectly onto the head of Fernando Morientes, and the Real Madrid striker’s header left Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given with no chance. Ireland responded well to the early deficit. They began to maintain possession and shut down Spain’s technical play in midfield. But Spain weathered the storm, and after some frustration they adjusted by mixing in the occasional long ball and quick counter-attack. Before long, Spain were once again looking like the more dangerous team. The Irish defence, though, kept Spain in check with a well-organized offside trap. In total, the assistant referee raised his flag on the Spanish forwards nine times before the interval. Keane looked close to getting things level after Matt Holland’s pass found the Leeds United striker racing into the middle of the penalty area. A tough bounce, though, forced Keane to swivel awkwardly, and his flick backwards went high over the crossbar. Soon after the break Ireland had a golden opportunity when Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas couldn’t handle a high ball in the area. He dropped it onto the foot of Kevin Kilbane, but the Sunderland man’s shot was cleared off the line by Fernando Hierro. Ireland seemed to have the break they needed when Juanfran was called for a foul on Damien Duff in the penalty area, but Ian Harte’s spot-kick went right at Casillas. The ball bounced out tantalisingly in front of the goal, but Kilbane missed badly with the Spanish keeper still on the ground and the net gaping .Later Casillas came up big as Keane got in on goal for a chance at a half-volley. The Real Madrid keeper bravely came off his line and blocked the shot, exposing himself to a painful-looking collision with Keane . When it looked like it was all over for Ireland, they got another chance from the penalty spot when Hierro was called for a foul on Niall Quinn. Keane took the shot this time, and he made no mistake. Ireland had new life .Spain were forced to play with 10 men after Albelda went off with an injury and they were left without a substitute. Ireland maintained pressure for most of the first half of extra time, but the Spanish defence held firm. Keane almost had the golden goal early in the second extra period, but he missed wide to the right with his volley from a step outside the area . Then Hierro had a chance on a free kick, but he struck his shot into the wall. Then Baraja and David Connolly traded near-misses from 25 metres. Baraja’s shot was saved well by a diving Given, and then Connolly’s shot missed just outside the left post . Neither side would go close again, and extra time gave way to cruel penalties. The spot-kicks, Casillas was magnificent. He saved shots by Connolly and Kilbane, and Holland missed off the crossbar, with only Keane and Steve Finnan finding the net for Ireland. For Spain, Juan Carlos Valeron and Juanfran missed, but strikes by Hierro, Baraja, and Mendieta were enough to start Spain’s celebration and send them through to the quarter-finals.

ROBBIE BLASTS FIFA

Robbie Keane has blasted FIFA's urine sampling policy, after he was selected to give a sample for the 2nd time in 6 days! Keane's misery came after the Irish were on a high after beating Saudi Arabia. Robbie scored in the 3-0 win over the Arabs to book Ireland's place in the 2nd stages of the world-cup. However he was infuriated to learn that once again, he'd been picked out to provide a sample under FIFA's random policy. So instead of joining his delirious team-mates, Keane and team-mate Kevin Kilbane had to endure the unsavoury post-match ritual of piddling into a plastic-cup! Keane was so narked by the procedure, he even reckoned he'd rather give blood! "I was called over straight after the final whistle and I didn't even get time to go into the dressing room with the rest of the lads," said a fuming Keane. "It was demoralising. Everyone was going up to their families and I was stuck behind with Kevin away from it all. You play football to enjoy moments like that and that was taken away from us. My name came out of the hat and I was unfortunate that it did so for two games in a row. I was in bits after the game and I drank about eight bottles of water to try and produce a sample. In the end it worked but it didn't help me sleep. It took me almost three hours to produce a sample while I was held back for two and a half hours after the Germany game as well. I didn't get back to the team hotel until three o'clock in the morning, along with Kevin. It's a complete joke because people are asking me what was it like in the dressing room and I haven't got a clue. To be honest, it's ridiculous and stupid from Fifa's point of view. They've got to sort something out about the way they do these tests. There must be another way of doing it because after the game is the wrong time. They should either do it before the game, the next morning or even get everybody to undergo the test together. That would be preferable to two players being asked to leave their team-mates who are celebrating a win or a good result. Maybe they should do away with the urine sample and just take the blood sample which is just the same. I don't mind being asked to do a second test, it's when they do it which is annoying. Fifa should use their head."

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST S. ARABIA

Ireland got an early Robbie Keane strike and second half goals from Gary Breen and Damien Duff to hold off Saudi Arabia and finish second in Group E. The result, along with Germany's defeat of Cameroon, means that the Germans and the Irish are through to the second round. For the first time in their history, Ireland scored more than a single goal in a FIFA World Cup™ finals match. They will take on the Group B winner in Suwon, Korea feeling confident after drawing twice and winning their third match. Ireland wasted no time jumping into the lead. Gary Kelly served a looping cross from the left to an unmarked Robbie Keane, who was standing near the penalty spot, and the Leeds United man struck his volley past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea . Ireland, continued to look to Keane and Kevin Kilbane in the attack, but the Saudi Arabian defence held firm, intent on not suffering a similar embarrassment to what they experienced in their 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Germany. Robbie Keane almost opened the second half as he did the first when he swivelled and shot from 12 metres, but this time his shot was wide to the right. Ireland needed a second goal to be certain of qualification for the second round, and they got it from Gary Breen, who scored with a stabbing volley from seven metres after a cross from the left. Ireland now held a lead that, if it stood up, would guarantee them a berth in the round of 16. Ireland put an exclamation point on the victory with a goal in the closing minutes. Damien Duff fired a shot right at Al Deayea, but the Saudi keeper couldn’t handle the wet ball, and it slipped through his gloves and into the net.

ROBBIE INJURY TIME GOAL EARNS HIM MAN OF THE MATCH

Robbie Keane’s dramatic stoppage-time equalizer made him the obvious choice for Budweiser Man of the Match in Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Germany Wednesday at Ibaraki Kashima Stadium in Japan. His goal not only erased Germany’s one-goal lead, it kept Ireland’s hopes for the round of 16 alive. After fighting back to draw Cameroon in their opening match, Ireland fell behind to Germany in the 19th minute. Ireland only needed 13 minutes to pull level with the Indomitable Lions, but Oliver Kahn seemed determined to keep his Cup-long clean sheet in tact. Kahn had already stopped Keane near full-time, but the Leeds United forward finally ended the night of frustration with his last-gasp effort. Ireland’s Niall Quinn nodded down a ball in the penalty area that Keane ran onto and blasted to Kahn’s right. The German keeper was able to get a hand on the shot, but this time it ricocheted off the post and bounced into the back of the net. Eight minutes earlier Keane and Kahn were involved in a footrace in the area. Keane just got his toe to the ball, but Kahn was able to sprawl out and block the shot out of harm’s way. “We felt like we would never score,” said Ireland forward Kevin Kilbane. “Damien [Duff] had a chance and then we had a few more chances. When Robbie [Keane] scored it was one of the best feelings ever."

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST GERMANY

Efficient Germany held their single goal lead for over 70 minutes against a spirited Irish team, but a spectacular second-half injury-time Robbie Keane goal evened the match and kept Irish hopes of advancing from Group E alive. Miroslav Klose’s fourth tally of the tournament had given the Germans the lead in Ibaraki, Japan. Damien Duff and Robbie Keane battled bravely looking for the equalizer. Sharing a point each, Germany still leads the group with four ahead of their match with Cameroon, while the Irish have two from two draws heading into their game with Saudi Arabia. Miroslav Klose, coming off a hat-trick performance in the first match, added his fourth goal of the finals 10 minutes later. Michael Ballack crossed in from the left side and Klose met the ball with his head, knocking it past Given. All four of his goals in the tournament have been headers. As the half wore on, Ireland were able to work the ball into the corner on a few occasions, but German keeper Oliver Kahn used his immense frame and quick reactions to snuff out any crossing passes.Late in the half, Given made a great kick save on Dietmar Hamann, but left a big rebound. And although he stopped the point-blank chance from Jancker, the German forward was ruled offside. After the interval, Ireland played very patient in the attack, not producing their first chance until 10 minutes into the second half. Duff latched onto a headed pass from Kevin Kilbane 10 metres out and only a reflex save by Kahn kept Germany in the lead. With the clock becoming a factor, Ireland were presented with a golden opportunity on a 19-metre free kick, but Robbie Keane’s shot didn’t make it on goal. Germany would have to call on Kahn again before the end. A through pass played near the top of the area brought Keane and Kahn in a footrace from opposite directions. Keane won the race, but could only get his toe on the ball and Kahn was able to make the key save. That stop looked like it would be enough to secure Germany’s second clean sheet in as many games, but late in stoppage time Ireland finally equalized. Keane ran onto substitute Niall Quinn’s pass and, from close range, powered a shot by Kahn.

ROBBIE WILL BE BIG IN JAPAN

Leeds striker Robbie Keane is being tipped to be a big hit at the World Cup finals next month after another livewire performance for the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Republic boss Mick McCarthy is convinced Keane will be one of the star turns as he leads the Irish attack and he illustrated why with an all action performance in a 2-1 victory over the USA on Wednesday night. Keane, who tormented the American defence, failed to get on the scoresheet but showed why he is one of the top strikers in the Premiership McCarthy said: "He is back to his impudent and cheeky best and it is a pleasure to watch the things he does. "He is coming good at the right time". Keane returned to the United side for the 1-0 victory at Aston Villa last weekend after a nine week absence and will go to the World Cup as fresh as a daisy having started only 22 games all season. The arrival of Robbie Fowler in November saw Keane drop down the pecking order at Elland Road, but despite speculation that he is set to leave Leeds this summer - Aston Villa are the latest club to be linked - Keane has pledged his future to United. Keane said: "I've had this sort of thing loads of times. "Every club I've been at, I'll have been there about eight months and people start saying I'm going here, there and everywhere. "But I'm happy to be at Leeds. I've always said that. I love Leeds, it's a good club and I feel at home." "It's frustrating and no one wants to be on the bench. I'll keep fighting for my place and I want to stay here as long as I can."

EURO 2004 DRAW

The Republic of Ireland will have to visit Eastern Europe twice in the Autumn after drawing Russia, Switzerland, Georgia and Albania in the Euro 2004 draw in Porto. Seeded in the top ten, Mick McCarthy's men came out of the hat last, placed in a group which has little to recommend it for Irish fans. Accustomed to long haul treks behind the former Iron Curtain, fans were spoiled during the World Cup 2002 group with trips to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Cyprus. Renovations to the Lansdowne Road pitch mean that Ireland will have to play at least their first two Group 10 games away from home. The finals to be held in Portugal between 12 June and 4 July 2004, will feature 16 teams. The Portuguese hosts will be joined by 15 associations from the qualifying competition - the ten group winners, who will qualify directly, and five other teams from among the ten group runners-up, who will contest play-offs on a two-leg home-and-away basis in November 2003 The qualifying games will take place from September 2002 to October 2003.

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST CZECH REPUBLIC

MICK McCarthy's Ireland produced a thrilling performance to beat the highly-ranked Czech Republic in a pulsating friendly international at Lansdowne Road. Robbie Keane stole in three minutes from time to help an Ian Harte header into the net to seal a 3-2 win against the side ranked second in FIFA's world rankings. The Czechs won all ten of their Euro 2000 qualifers and proved that class with Jan Koller twice giving the central European side the lead in wild conditions. Koller bundled home the fourth minute opener from close range after Petr Gabriel helped the ball back across after Pavel Nedved's corner was half-cleared. Ireland drew level in the 15th minute when Niall Quinn pressurised Karel Rada into helping Mark Kennedy's cross into the Czech net. The Czechs kept up the intensity on Alan Kelly's goal and Koller headed home from Karel Poborsky's right wing cross ten minutes before half-time. The visitors practically handed Ian Harte the equaliser with wrapping paper intact - keeper Maier and Koller collided going for Gary Kelly's cross and Harte tapped home the loose ball two minutes before the break. Ireland raised the tempo after the break, after completely dominating the half, the winner did arrive in the 87th minute when Babb won a corner with an incredible over-head kick and Robbie Keane struck home from Harte's downward header.

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST RUSSIA

Mick McCarthy left Lansdowne Road wearing a big smile – and why not? Two fine goals and a solid performance kicked off the Irish World Cup warm-up in tremendous style.For McCarthy’s young hopefuls, the evening was rewarding indeed with a goal for Steven Reid and a top rank display from Colin Healy.Reid had the start dreams are made of, lurking with intent on the edge of the Russian box in the 2nd minute and when Harte's free-kick from the left was cleared, the Millwall midfielder sent a daisy cutter into the back of the net. The goal was a sign of Irish superiority early on. Nice passing movement and a strong showing from Reid and Colin Healy put pressure on the Russians and chances cropped up with regularity. On 20 mins another superb move produced the second goal. Healy, busy and aggressive at all times took a pass from Roy Keane, slipped a ball inside for Finnan who played a one-two with Reid and whipped a cross into the box where Robbie Keane was perfectly positioned to head to the back of the net.

ROBBIE TO START IN WORLD CUP

Leeds striker Robbie Keane is a guaranteed starter at the World Cup place according to Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy despite being limited to substitute appearances for Leeds in recent weeks.Since the £11million arrival of Robbie Fowler at the end of November Keane has found himself on the bench after recovering from an ankle ligament operation. at the start of the year. But Keane need not worry about McCarthy's claim that his Republic stars need to be playing first-team club football if they are to force their way into his squad. The United star will be one of the first names to be read out in mid-May when McCarthy announces the final 23 heading to Japan for this summer's finals. "If Robbie continues to be kept out of the side by Fowler and Viduka, I won't be worried about it, just so long as he is fit," said McCarthy."If he doesn't play in the first team, but is playing in the reserves and playing well and is okay, then that's all that matters to me because I know he can play."Even if he is caught between two stools at club level where he is not playing in the first team and not playing in the reserves - because Leeds don't want him getting injured - then it will be up to Robbie to maintain his fitness level and train hard..

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST DENMARK

Ian Harte, Robbie Keane and Clinton Morrison scored the goals but it was Damien Duff who stole the show as the Republic of Ireland glistened in a sensational World Cup warm-up match against Denmark at Lansdowne Road. Duff was a constant source of entertainment for the 42,000 sell-out crowd and after 19 minutes he provided the pin-point cross which Harte headed home to put the Republic in the lead.Keane grabbed the second nine minutes after the break with a spectacular 25-yard drive and Morrison marked his full debut with a well deserved goal just seconds from time.McCarthy had no doubts about Keane's ability in the build-up to this match, and the 21-year-old proved why when he marked his 31st appearance for his country with his tenth goal - and what a corker it was. Keane doubled the Republic's lead with a spectacular strike on 54 minutes. With Peter Kjaer, a substitute for Sorensen, a yard off his line the Leeds midfielder smacked a 25-yard belter flying into the top right corner.

IRELAND RANKED 17th IN THE WORLD

Mick McCarthy's star just keeps on rising - this time alongside his team which has finished 2001 at 17th in the FIFA World Rankings - great progress over the year. This time last year Mick McCarthy and his players were ranked 31st and the latest rankings show a fourteen place rise a significant move into the top twenty. France, Argentina and Brazil hold the top three spots while Ireland's World Cup finals group opponents Germany are 12th down one, Cameroon are 38th also up one while Saudi Arabia are 31st up five. The most satisfying aspect of the new rankings will be the fact that Ireland is now within striking distance of the top 10, lofty heights last enjoyed under Jack Charlton.

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST IRAN

Ireland have deservedly beaten Iran 2-0 in the first leg of the World Cup playoff. Goals in each half from Leeds United duo Ian Harte and Robbie Keane secured a precious win that leaves manager Mick McCarthy's side favourites to claim a ticket to Japan and South Korea going into Thursday's second leg in Tehran. Although Ireland were the better side, dominating the game from the outset, Iran posed enough of a threat to cause several sleepless nights ahead of the second leg. Tellingly, goalkeeper Shay Given won the man of the match award for several superb point blank saves from the impressive Karimi. It was a competent performance from the Republic, but McCarthy has refused to get carried away. "I never come in smiling and joking when it's 2-0 at half time, and that's what it is," he warned. Ian Harte opened the scoring for Ireland just before half time with a well-taken penalty after Jason McAteer was hauled down by a rash challenge from Rahman Rezaei. Neither side created many goalscoring chances in a scrappy first half, but Ireland deserved their lead. Ireland struggled to break down the well-organised Iranian defence, while goalkeeper Mirzapour shrugged off an erratic start which saw him miss several straightforward punches to produce a confident display, notably saving at Staunton's feet. Five minutes after the break, Robbie Keane made it 2-0 with a left footer. The impressive McAteer swung in an inviting ball which fell to the Leeds striker, who skilfully adjusted his posture to rifle the ball into the Iranian net. The game opened up after the second goal, with Iran chasing a precious away goal. Chances fell to both sides, with Karemi twice going close. In the 55th minute, he was clear through on goal but Given raced off his goal line to dive at the Iranian striker's feet to prevent an almost certain goal. Two minutes later, Karemi opened up the Irish defence with a mazy run but Given came to the rescue again. Five minutes from the end, Bagheri missed a great chance for Iran. He chested the ball down on the edge of the area to put himself in the clear away from Harte, but the resulting shot drifted feebly wide. McCarthy paid tribute to a "very well-organised" Iranian team. "(Iran) came with a game plan, with five at the back and three in the middle - even Ali Daei was tackling. It was going to be hard to break them down but to get the opportunity just before half-time relaxed us all. We worked hard for an hour then some of our lads got leg-weary," said the Ireland manager.

ROBBIE SCORES AGAINST HOLLAND

IRELAND went within six minutes of a stunning victory over Euro 2000 semi-finalists Holland in their opening World Cup Group Two qualifying match. Mick McCarthy's side had produced the best display of his four year reign and were good value for a two goal lead built by goals from Robbie Keane and Jason McAteer. Ireland didn't resort to route one tactics to punish the Dutch, instead they proved Irish players can play with skill and verve - best summed up by Robbie Keane's 21st minute opening goal. Created by a brilliant link-up involving Stephen Carr and Jason McAteer - who sent in the cross for the Inter Milan striker, Keane's header was the perfect finish to a flowing move.